If you are a lawful permanent resident in the United States, renewing or replacing your green card just became significantly more difficult. According to new data from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), processing times for Form I-90—used to renew or replace green cards—have surged by nearly 1,000% in some cases.
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What Is Form I-90 and Who Needs It?
Form I-90 is used by permanent residents to:
- Renew a 10-year green card that is about to expire
- Replace a green card that is lost, stolen, or damaged
- Update personal information on their existing card
By law, permanent residents must renew their green cards every ten years. Historically, this was a relatively fast process—but not anymore.
I-90 Processing Times: Then vs. Now
The median processing time has increased dramatically:
| Time Period | Median Processing Time |
|---|---|
| October–December 2024 (FY2024 Q4) | 0.8 months |
| January–March 2025 (FY2025 Q2) | 8.3 months |
That’s a 938% increase in just one quarter.
USCIS currently estimates that:
- 80% of first-time or replacement I-90 applications take up to 21.5 months to process
- 80% of standard 10-year renewals are processed within 12.5 months
Why the Delays?
Several overlapping issues have created a backlog:
- Immigration courts are overwhelmed, handling more than 3.7 million cases
- USCIS received over 285,000 I-90 forms in Q1 2025, a significant jump from 189,000 in the previous quarter
- The backlog of pending I-90 applications has risen to over 356,000, up from 265,000 at the end of 2024
Historical Processing Time Trends
| Year | Average I-90 Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.2 months |
| 2023 | 9.1 months |
| 2024 | 1.1 months (late year average) |
| 2025 | 8.3 months (Q2 median) |
These fluctuations suggest a pattern of delayed recoveries followed by sudden surges.
Temporary Fix: Green Card Validity Automatically Extended
To help ease disruptions, USCIS implemented a policy change in September 2024:
- When you file Form I-90, your green card is automatically extended for 3 years
- Your receipt notice now acts as proof of legal status and authorization to work during this period
This change is designed to prevent interruptions in employment and travel while your renewal is being processed.
What Green Card Holders Should Do Now
If your green card is expiring soon or has already expired, follow these recommendations:
- File early: Submit Form I-90 up to 6 months before expiration
- Keep your receipt notice safe: It serves as your legal proof of status for up to 36 months
- Avoid international travel or job changes until you have proper documentation
- Track your case status using USCIS’s online tracker
- Consult an immigration attorney for urgent or complex cases
Conclusion
With I-90 green card renewals now taking an average of over 8 months—and up to 21.5 months in some cases—it’s critical for permanent residents to plan ahead. Delaying your application could result in difficulties with employment, travel, and legal compliance. File early, stay informed, and safeguard your USCIS documentation to avoid unnecessary disruption.
